Kurume, Fukuoka

Kurume, Fukuoka
Name	Kurume
Native name	久留米市
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	33, 19, N, 130...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Japan
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Kyushu
Subdivision type2	Prefecture
Subdivision name2	Fukuoka Prefecture
Established title	City status
Established date	April 1, 1889
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Tsutomu Okubo
Area total km2	229.84
Population total	302,323
Population as of	June 1, 2024
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Japan Standard Time
Utc offset	+9
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	830-8520
Area code	0942
Website	https://www.city.kurume.fukuoka.jp/

Kurume, Fukuoka is a city located in the southwestern part of Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. As one of the major urban centers in the prefecture, it serves as a key commercial and industrial hub for the surrounding Chikugo region. The city is historically significant as the former castle town of the Arima clan and is renowned for its traditional industries, including Kurume Kasuri textiles and rubber manufacturing.

History

The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with significant development beginning in the early 17th century when Arima Toyouji constructed Kurume Castle and established his domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. The Arima clan ruled for over two centuries, fostering local culture and industry before the Meiji Restoration led to the abolition of the han system. The city was officially incorporated on April 1, 1889, and later expanded through the merger with neighboring towns and villages, such as Kitano and Jōjima. During the Pacific War, the city was targeted in the Bombing of Kurume in 1945, which caused significant damage to its industrial infrastructure.

Geography

Kurume is situated in the central part of the Chikugo Plain, with the Chikugo River, one of the major rivers in Kyushu, flowing through its southern part. The city borders other municipalities including Ōkawa to the west, Chikugo to the south, and Ukiha to the east. The northern area features the Sefuri Mountains, which form a natural border with Saga Prefecture. This geographic setting provides fertile land for agriculture and has historically supported water transport and irrigation systems vital for local rice cultivation.

Economy

The city's economy is historically rooted in textiles, most famously the indigo-dyed Kurume Kasuri cotton fabric, pioneered by Inoue Den in the Edo period. In the 20th century, Kurume became a major center for the rubber and tire industry, largely due to the founding of the Bridgestone Corporation by Shojiro Ishibashi in 1931. Other key industries include food processing, machinery, and chemicals, with numerous factories located in the Kurume Industrial Park. The city also functions as a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural region, known for producing strawberries, pears, and grapes.

Culture and attractions

Kurume is celebrated for its traditional crafts and vibrant festivals. The Kurume Kasuri is a designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, with its history showcased at the Kurume Kasuri Traditional Craft Center. Major annual events include the Kurume Gion Yamakasa festival in July, featuring elaborate floats, and the Kurume Jinko autumn festival. Cultural sites include the ruins of Kurume Castle, the Ishibashi Cultural Center, and the Kurume City Art Museum. The city is also the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a globally popular noodle dish.

Transportation

The city is a significant transportation node in southern Fukuoka Prefecture. It is served by the Kyushu Shinkansen and the Kagoshima Main Line at Kurume Station, providing high-speed rail access to Fukuoka and Kumamoto. Major roadways include the Kyushu Expressway, National Route 3, and National Route 209. Public transit within the city is primarily provided by the Nishitetsu bus network. While the city does not have its own commercial airport, the closest major air hubs are Fukuoka Airport and Saga Airport.

Education

Kurume is home to several institutions of higher education, most notably Kurume University, a private university with schools of medicine, commerce, and law. Other significant schools include Kurume Institute of Technology and Kurume Kōgyō High School, a national industrial college. The city's public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the Kurume City Board of Education. The presence of these institutions has made the city a regional center for medical care and academic research, particularly in fields like rubber technology and textile engineering.

Category:Cities in Fukuoka Prefecture Category:Populated places on Kyushu